Every year, fans gather in person in San Diego or wait anxiously online for announcements and new trailers from Comic-Con. This year’s announcements did not disappoint. From Marvel’s newest lineup to new information on “Dungeons & Dragons” there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the announcements and trailers that have us excited:
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Next Steps
Perhaps the most anticipated announcement was the layout of Marvel’s upcoming Phases 5 and 6. Along with naming this new arc “Multiverse Saga,” they also announced a plethora of projects coming down the pipeline. Two that caught my eye were “Secret Invasion” and “The Fantastic Four.” “Secret Invasion” will feature Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) and will be released in Spring 2023. “The Fantastic Four” movie will be released in November 2024. These films are all set to culminate with two Avengers films. The penultimate will be “Avengers: Kang Dynasty” in May 2025, followed by “Avengers: Secret Wars” in November 2025. The next few years are going to be full of exciting projects. It will be great to return to some old characters and meet new faces (or perhaps some new faces on old characters with the multiverse).
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
Speaking of Marvel, the extended teaser for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was released during the convention. There has been confusion about how this film will take shape after the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, the star of the original “Black Panther.” While it looks like they will be honoring his legacy, they will now showcase the mighty women of Wakanda, turning a highly-deserved but late spotlight on Black women in the MCU. If the stunning visuals from the trailer are any indication, this looks like another hit.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will be released in theaters on Nov.11
“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”
Another highly anticipated trailer was this extended first look at Amazon’s take on “The Lord of the Rings.” This series has a lot to live up against with how beloved and imaginative the original books are and how well the original trilogy of movies was received. However, “The Hobbit” trilogy’s failure to please fans has caused trepidation about the new series. The television series will take place long before the events of “The Hobbit” or “The Lord of the Rings.” It also appears that they are attempting to diversify the series a bit more with more female characters and people of color as actors in the series. Amazon seems to be throwing every visual tool and dollar at this project to meet expectations, but only the release of the series will be able to prove success.
“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” will be released on Amazon Prime on Sept. 2
“Black Adam” and “Shazam”
Opposed to Marvel is DC’s release of new film projects. They appear to be stepping away from the Justice League for the time being to focus on other characters. The trailer release for “Black Adam” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was met with enthusiastic reactions. “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” also received a trailer but was met with a less enthusiastic response than “Black Adam.” Hopefully, these new releases will help revive the DC films, which have struggled as of late. “Black Adam” appears to be a much more serious character while “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” looks to incorporate more humor and group dynamics.
“Black Adam” will be released in theaters on Oct.1 and “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” on Dec. 21
“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”
Stepping away from comics, an extended look at “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” was also released. Given the resurgence of the game Dungeons & Dragons, D&D podcasts becoming their own solidified genre, and the game’s feature in “Stranger Things,” this project is well timed. The trailer promises a new fantasy realm to dive into, and, hopefully, an original storyline that will hook viewers.
“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” is set to release Mar. 3 2023
This content is only the tip of the iceberg announced at Comic-Con, but these projects foreshadow a great few years of movies for comic book and fantasy fans.
By Ella Hachee